Kinosaki Onsen
About Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen is located in Hyogo Prefecture along the coast of the Sea of Japan. It is 2.5 hours away from Kyoto, or 3 hours away from Osaka. It has 7 natural hot spring bath houses that are all walkable from each other. The town is famous for its beautiful hiking views, delicious crabs, and tattoo-friendly onsen hopping! Take a day trip or stay the night, it’s the perfect escape to heal your body.
How to Get to Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen is very accessible by bus, train or car. Trains travel is recommended when traveling in Japan, and service to Kinosaki Onsen is available throughout the day.
If traveling by train:
- From Kyoto Station
- Take the Kinosaki Limited Express at select times
- Or take the Hashidate Limited Express to Fukuchiyama Station then transfer to the Kounotori Limited Express bound for Kinosaki Onsen
- From Osaka Station
- Take the Kounotori Limited Express bound for Kinosaki Onsen
How We Travelled to Kinosaki Onsen
We travelled directly to Kinosaki Onsen via the Kinosaki Limited Express with direct service from Kyoto. This was an easy trip and the train wasn’t crowded at all when we travelled in February!
When departing Kinosaki Onsen, we took the Hamazake Limited Express back south to Himeji, then transferred to the Sunrise Express for an overnight train journey back to Tokyo.
Health Benefits of Onsen
The mineral-rich waters of Kinosaki’s hot springs are renowned for their therapeutic effects:
- Sodium: Enhances circulation, reduces muscle aches, and improves sleep.
- Calcium: Boosts oxygen levels in blood and leaves skin radiant.
- Chloride: Eases joint pain, improves digestion, and addresses skin issues.
Personally, we noticed smoother skin and relief from conditions like eczema and keratosis pilaris after just two days of intense bathing.
Five Tips for Visiting Kinosaki Onsen
- Plan Your Baths: Each of the seven onsens is unique, but one is closed daily for cleaning. Staying overnight gives you the chance to experience them all. Refer to the official Kinosaki Onsen website for the Onsen Traffic Tracker.
- Bring Coins: Enjoy post-bath milk from vending machines for a refreshing treat.
- Learn Yukata Etiquette: Always wrap the left side over the right; reversing it is reserved for dressing the deceased.
- Visit the Ropeway: Hike to Onsenji Temple and enjoy a panoramic view rated by the Michelin Green Guide.
- Keep in Mind Crab Season: From November to March, indulge in the local specialty, Matsuba Crab!
Whether you choose to splurge on a luxury ryokan or save at a charming modern hotel, Kinosaki Onsen guarantees an unforgettable experience. From soaking in healing waters to savoring world-class cuisine, it’s a place to relax, explore, and rejuvenate.